A 'Dog Days' Story: Missouri Central Saves the Dog

August 21, 2013

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. (8/22/13)--Here's a story for the Dog Days of Summer. It involves a credit union dedicated not only to the well-being of its members, but also to a member's pooch.

Caryn McManus, a member of Lee's Summit, Mo.-based Missouri Central CU for 12 years, took her yellow lab-mix, Winchester--alias "Chester"--to the vet in April for routine teeth cleaning. On Chester's gums, the vet found a lump, which a biopsy revealed was a cancer that grows on the bone (The Missouri Difference Aug. 19).

McManus took Chester to a specialist in Kansas, who said the cancer was caught early but Chester would get very sick. If not removed, the cancer would be fatal. The surgery would cost about $2,500 and require removing the cancer and several teeth.

"Even though my head told me I was crazy to spend that kind of money on a dog," McManus told the Missouri Credit Union Association, "my heart told me if there was a chance to save Chester, I had to do something."

Her husband suggested taking a loan out against their car. She called MCCU and talked with Member Service Representative Becky Socha. The loan would be no problem and Socha started the paperwork.

On May 17, Chester underwent surgery and two weeks later, he was declared cancer-free. "My beautiful blonde dog is happy and healthy," said McManus. "He doesn't even notice his four missing teeth."

McManus said she was extremely grateful to MCCU, the vet hospital and the vet who caught the cancer early. Thanks to them, her friend has many more years ahead.

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